Kelly said he's excited to keep working to protect the endangered species.

"Every giant panda is part of a larger conservation effort. The best part of this agreement is that we will continue our research and collaboration with our Chinese colleagues on reproduction, habitat and wildlife disease issues," he said in a statement.

The pandas' home is also getting an upgrade thanks to a $4.5 million donation from a Smithsonian Board of Regents member. This gift will help make more panda living spaces in China, too.